Definitely, it may not be anything – but it could be something you can address and treat early. It could be autism or so many other things. Don’t ignore developmental delays.
Causes for speech delay could include
- Hearing Loss
- Delays in gesture communication
- Sound processing communication
But when speech delay is combined with other behaviors, it becomes a more significant indicator for autism.
By the age two, most toddlers use around 50 words and start stringing together two-word phrases. A child with autism may
- Not be speaking at all
- Use only a few words repeatedly
- Use words to label objects rather than to communicate needs
- Saying words for no purpose
- Repeating things you have said immediately after you say it but for no purpose
- Parroting your questions rather than answering it.
- Using the incorrect pronouns like ‘you’ instead of ‘me’
- Echo words or phrases without context (echolalia)
- Unusual sensitivity tor interest in sounds, textures, or lights
- Lose words they previously used
- Speak a Gestalt type speech pattern.
If your child isn’t meeting speech milestones, it’s wise to seek autism testing to understand what’s going on beneath the surface.
Misconception
“Well, we have late talkers in our family – so we plan to wait”
Waiting just delays treatment – you wouldn’t wait if your child wasn’t walking – why would you wait if your child isn’t talking. There are so many layers of development that happen before words. Take the steps to learn more and make sure your child is on track.
Link to first words project 16 gestures by 16 months.
